Kennedy Agyapong, a member of parliament and a contender for the leadership of Ghana’s ruling party, has criticised the vice president and a former minister for their actions ahead of the 2024 elections. He accused them of causing division and violence within the party and jeopardising its chances of staying in power.
In an interview with a US-based radio station, Agyapong expressed his dismay at the resignation of Alan Kyerematen, a former trade and industry minister, from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Kyerematen announced his decision to run as an independent candidate in the next presidential election, citing unfair treatment by the party.
Agyapong also slammed the vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for allegedly promising the deputy leader position to seven MPs from the Ashanti region, the party’s stronghold. He claimed that Bawumia was using intimidation and bribery to secure support for his bid to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo as the NPP flagbearer.
“Bawumia becoming the party’s flagbearer would likely lead the NPP into opposition,” Agyapong said. “It is not possible upon all his utterances. Yet, because of greed and selfishness they want us to go into opposition and I will resist that, I won’t allow us go into opposition.”
Agyapong, who represents the Assin Central constituency, said he was determined to prevent the party from losing power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former president John Mahama. He said he had the vision and the experience to lead the country and the party to greater heights.
He urged the party members to unite and avoid violence during the internal elections, which are scheduled for November 4, 2023. He said the party should focus on delivering on its promises to the people and addressing the challenges facing the nation.
He also called for a peaceful and fair electoral process, saying he was ready to accept the outcome and support whoever emerged as the winner. He said he hoped the party would choose the best candidate to represent its values and interests.
“I believe in democracy and the rule of law. I respect the will of the people and the party. I am confident that the NPP will make the right decision and continue to serve the nation with integrity and competence,” he said.
Source: GhanaWeb
